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The Apex Pick Badger 18-inch is a compact prospecting pick built for tight-access digging with a 10-inch head, 18-inch hickory handle, and three embedded super magnets for ferrous target recovery. Prospectors working narrow crevices, shallow bedrock pockets, and confined sampling sites need a shorter tool that delivers full striking power without the swing radius of a 30-inch handle. The Badger's reduced head size (10 inches x 3.5 inches) and 2.75-pound weight let you pack it all day without fatigue while the three magnets capture iron fragments and small ferrous targets during cleanup.
Why Prospectors Reach for the Badger 18-Inch Pick
- Compact 18-inch handle length delivers full striking force in tight crevices and shallow bedrock pockets where 30-inch picks can't swing.
- Three embedded super magnets capture iron fragments, nails, and small ferrous targets during material cleanup without switching tools.
- Lightweight 2.75-pound design reduces pack weight on multi-mile hikes to remote sampling sites.
- 10-inch x 3.5-inch head size fits between boulders and into narrow gaps that larger Talon and Extreme heads bridge over.
- Hickory handle absorbs impact shock on hard rock and resists splitting under repeated strikes. Need more reach for open ground? The Badger 24-inch extends your swing radius without adding significant weight.
Hickory Handle Construction for Repeated Impact
The 18-inch hickory handle balances shock absorption with pry-power for tight crevice work and shallow bedrock sampling. Hickory's dense grain structure flexes under impact rather than transferring the full shock to your wrist, which matters on multi-hour sampling sessions where you're striking dozens of times per pocket. If you are new to working bedrock pockets, reviewing our metal detecting tips can help you maximize your recovery efficiency. The three super magnets embedded in the 10-inch head pull ferrous fragments from concentrates as you work, eliminating the need to carry a separate magnet during cleanup. The 6mm head thickness resists bending when you're prying material from tight gaps. Prospectors running this pick pair it with non-metallic holsters for quick access on steep terrain. The Badger series is available across Apex Picks in 12-inch, 18-inch, 24-inch, 30-inch, and 36-inch handle lengths, each with customizable magnet counts (zero, one, or three magnets).
How it compares to other Badger picks
| Feature | Badger 24" | Badger 30" | Badger LT 36" | Badger 18" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handle Length | 24in (61cm) | 30in (76cm) | 36in (91cm) | 18in (46cm) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8kg) | 4 lbs (1.8kg) | 4 lbs (1.8kg) | 2.75 lbs (1.2kg) |
| Head Size | 10in x 3.5in (25cm x 9cm) | 10in x 3.5in (25cm x 9cm) | 10in x 3.5in (25cm x 9cm) | 10in x 3.5in (25cm x 9cm) |
| Magnets | Three super magnets | Three super magnets | One super magnet | Three super magnets |
| Head Thickness | 6mm | 6mm | 6mm | 6mm |
Specifications
- Part Number: GC1035-6-18-3M
- Weight: 2.75 lbs (1.2kg)
- Head Size: 10in x 3.5in (25cm x 9cm)
- Head Thickness: 6mm
- Handle: 18in (46cm) hickory
- Magnets: Three super magnets
- Country of Manufacture: USA
Why Buy from Serious Detecting
Serious Detecting is an authorized Apex Picks dealer, which means every Badger pick ships with the manufacturer warranty and direct access to Apex's USA-based support team. Our team has run Badger picks on bedrock sampling trips and crevice cleanups across the West, and we stock the full handle-length range so you can choose the right tool for your terrain. Free shipping on orders over the threshold, 30-day returns, and price-match guarantee. Questions about handle length or magnet count for your prospecting style? Our team answers from field experience, not a script.
Customer Questions & Expert Answers
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